NHS 24 Shares Advice to Help People Enjoy Healthy Festive Holiday
NHS 24 is sharing advice to help people across Lanarkshire enjoy a healthy festive holiday – and what to do if it’s not so healthy. The tips are part of a new public health campaign which highlights the benefits of using NHS 24’s digital services, like NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app, when you need quick, safe, and accurate health information.
Dr Ron Cook, NHS 24’s medical director, says the digital services use the same clinical advice people get if they call NHS 24 and offer a great first option when people are unwell and are not sure if they need to seek further help.
Approximately a quarter of people who call the 111-service are given self-care advice, which means with a little bit of preparation, they could have saved themselves a lot of time and looked after symptoms safely and effectively at home.
The best thing to do if you become unwell is to make NHS inform your first port of call. The symptom checkers will provide you with the right clinically-assured health advice on a wide range of conditions including coughs, rashes, stomach bugs, or back pain.
Dr Cook advised people to be prepared for common illnesses by having over-the-counter medicines such as painkillers, cold and flu relief, and remedies for upset stomachs available at home. The aim is to ensure that both patients and staff can enjoy the festive season, with those who need it most receiving help from the 111 service.
Being prepared for winter is easy:
– Keep some medicines to treat common illnesses at home.
– Check your repeat prescription if you rely on medications from your GP.
– Use NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app’s symptom checkers if you become unwell.
– Be aware of the amended opening hours of your GP practice and local pharmacy over the festive holidays.
NHS 24 has published a winter health page on NHS inform, providing a handy resource to guide the public on relevant advice for seasonal illnesses and conditions to stay healthy this winter.
In conclusion, staying informed and prepared can help everyone enjoy a healthy and happy festive season.
Insights:
NHS 24’s initiative to promote using digital services for health information can empower individuals to take better care of their health during the holiday season. By providing self-care advice and promoting preparedness for common illnesses, NHS 24 aims to ensure that healthcare resources are available for those who need them the most. This campaign serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritise their health and well-being, especially during festive periods when healthcare services may experience higher demand.